U.S. patent number 5,836,513 [Application Number 08/618,770] was granted by the patent office on 1998-11-17 for apparatus for and method of making snow.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Lake Effect Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to William T. Bright, Brian L. Johnson, Edward James King, Vincent L. Ramik, Warren C. Smith.
United States Patent |
5,836,513 |
Smith , et al. |
November 17, 1998 |
Apparatus for and method of making snow
Abstract
A snow making gun of the present invention includes a
cylindrical housing carrying a motor and a fan which creates an air
current into which water is injected from a ring water manifold via
a plurality of nozzles having discharge orifices. An adjustable
nucleating mechanism is associated with the manifold to optimize
snow making under a variety of ambient conditions of pressure,
humidity and temperature. Preferably, the water manifold or a
portion thereof is removable so that nozzles having orifices of the
first size can be replaced by an identical water manifold having
nozzles whose orifices are of a different size. By utilizing quick
connect/disconnect clamping elements a water manifold and its
associated nucleating mechanism can be rapidly removed from and
another applied to a cylindrical housing of an associated snow gun
to assure that optimum artificial snow is made under any and all
conditions.
Inventors: |
Smith; Warren C. (Marquette,
MI), Bright; William T. (Summersville, WV), Johnson;
Brian L. (Summersville, WV), King; Edward James
(Summersville, WV), Ramik; Vincent L. (Annandale, VA) |
Assignee: |
Lake Effect Technologies, Inc.
(Summersville, WV)
|
Family
ID: |
24479068 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/618,770 |
Filed: |
March 20, 1996 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
239/2.2;
239/14.2; 239/446; 239/600; 239/394 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25C
3/04 (20130101); F25C 2303/048 (20130101); F25C
2303/046 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F25C
3/00 (20060101); F25C 3/04 (20060101); F25C
003/04 () |
Field of
Search: |
;239/551,562,556,558,2.2,14.2,390,391,600,446,394 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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|
2371649 |
|
Jun 1978 |
|
FR |
|
4295574 |
|
Oct 1992 |
|
JP |
|
1312249 |
|
Jun 1981 |
|
SU |
|
Primary Examiner: Weldon; Kevin
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Diller, Ramik & Wight,PC
Claims
We claim:
1. Apparatus for making snow comprising means for defining a
housing, means for generating an air current relative to said
housing, means for defining a first water manifold, means for
defining a second water manifold, said first and second water
manifolds including respective first and second means for
alternatively spraying water from said respective first and second
water manifolds toward the generated air current whereby the water
and air admix and form snow under respective first and second
different ambient conditions, said first and second water spraying
means include respective first and second spray nozzles having
different size orifices, means for alternatively removably securing
said first and second water manifolds relative to said housing
whereby said first water manifold and said first water spraying
means can be removed from said housing and replaced by said second
water manifold and said second water spraying means to accommodate
said second ambient conditions, means for accurately alternatively
locating said first and second water manifolds relative to said
housing, and said locating means includes a locating pin.
2. Apparatus for making snow comprising means for defining a
housing, means for generating an air current relative to said
housing, means for defining a first water manifold, means for
defining a second water manifold, said first and second water
manifolds including respective first and second means for
alternatively spraying water from said respective first and second
water manifolds toward the generated air current whereby the water
and air admix and form snow under respective first and second
different ambient conditions, said first and second water spraying
means include respective first and second spray nozzles having
different size orifices, means for alternatively removably securing
said first and second water manifolds relative to said housing
whereby said first water manifold and said first water spraying
means can be removed from said housing and replaced by said second
water manifold and said second water spraying means to accommodate
said second ambient condition, and first and second substantially
spaced means for accurately alternatively locating said first and
second water manifolds relative to said housing.
3. Apparatus for making snow comprising means for defining a
housing, means for generating an air current relative to said
housing, means for defining a first water manifold, means for
defining a second water manifold, said first, and second water
manifolds including respective first and second means for
alternatively spraying water from said respective first and second
water manifolds toward the generated air current whereby the water
and air admix and form snow under respective first and second
different ambient conditions, said first and second water spraying
means include respective first and second spray nozzles having
different size orifices, means for alternatively removably securing
said first and second water manifolds relative to said housing
whereby said first water manifold and said first water spraying
means can be removed from said housing and replaced by said second
water manifold and said second water spraying means to accommodate
said second ambient conditions, and first and second substantially
diametrically opposite means for accurately locating said water
manifold relative to said housing.
4. A manifold for a snow making machine comprising means for
defining a removable substantially arcuate water chamber, a
plurality of nozzles each including an orifice of a predetermined
size, said plurality of nozzles being in fluid communication with
said water chamber, means for accurately arcuately locating said
water chamber defining means relative to a snow making machine
housing from which an air current is adapted to emanate, and
cooperative first and second quick connect and disconnect clamping
means carried by said respective water chamber means and said
housing for quick connecting and disconnecting said water chamber
means relative to said housing during the accurate arcuate locating
thereof by said accurately arcuately locating means.
5. The snow making machine manifold as defined in claim 4 including
means carried by said water chamber means for directing a
nucleating air/water admixture toward an air current for
facilitating the creation of snow.
6. The snow making machine manifold as defined in claim 4 wherein
said water chamber means is of an at least partially annular
configuration.
7. The snow making machine manifold as defined in claim 4 wherein
said water chamber means is of a generally annular
configuration.
8. The snow making machine manifold as defined in claim 4 wherein
said locating means are a pair of substantially spaced locating
elements.
9. The snow making machine manifold as defined in claim 8 including
means carried by said water chamber means for directing a
nucleating air/water admixture toward an air current for
facilitating the creation of snow.
10. The snow making machine manifold as defined in claim 9 wherein
said water chamber means is of an at least partially annular
configuration.
11. The snow making machine manifold as defined in claim 8 wherein
said water chamber means is of an at least partially annular
configuration.
12. The snow making machine manifold as defined in claim 4 wherein
said locating means are a pair of substantially spaced locating
pins.
13. The snow making machine manifold as defined in claim 4 wherein
said locating means are a pair of substantially diametrically
spaced locating elements.
14. The snow making machine manifold as defined in claim 4 wherein
said locating means are a pair of substantially diametrically
spaced locating pins.
15. Apparatus for making snow comprising as for defining a housing,
means for generating an air current relative to said housing, means
for defining a water manifold, said water manifold including means
for spraying water from said water manifold toward the generated
air current whereby the water and air admix and form snow under
first ambient conditions, means for removably securing said water
manifold relative to said housing whereby said water manifold can
be removed from said housing, said removably securing means
including cooperative first and second substantially spaced first
and second clamping means carried one each by said housing and said
manifold, and means for accurately locating said water manifold
relative to said housing.
16. The apparatus as defined in claim 15 wherein said accurately
locating means include first and second substantially spaced means
for accurately locating said water manifold relative to said
housing.
17. Apparatus for making snow comprising means for defining a
housing, means for generating an air current relative to said
housing, means for defining a water manifold, said water manifold
including means for spraying water from said water manifold toward
the generated air current whereby the water and air admix and form
snow under first ambient conditions, means for removably securing
said water manifold relative to said housing whereby said water
manifold can be removed from said housing, said removably securing
means including cooperative first and second substantially spaced
first and second clamping means carried one each by said housing
and said manifold, and said first and second clamping means are
substantially spaced from each other.
18. The apparatus as defined in claim 17 including first and second
substantially spaced means for accurately locating said water
manifold relative to said housing.
19. The apparatus as defined in claim 18 wherein said first and
second clamping means and said first and second locating means are
disposed in alternating relationship to each other.
20. Apparatus for making snow comprising means for defining a
housing, means for generating an air current relative to said
housing, means for defining a water manifold, said water manifold
including means for spraying water from said water manifold toward
the generated air current whereby the water and air admix and form
snow under first ambient conditions, means for removably securing
at least a portion of said water manifold relative to said housing
whereby said water manifold portion can be removed from said
housing and replaced by another water manifold portion and
associated other water spraying means to accommodate second ambient
conditions differing from the first ambient conditions, said water
manifold including a generally annular water chamber, and said
water manifold portion being a removable annular front plate of
said annular water chamber carrying said first-mentioned water
spraying means.
21. Apparatus for making snow comprising means for defining a
housing, means for generating an air current relative to said
housing, means for defining a water manifold, said water manifold
including means for spraying water from said water manifold toward
the generated air current whereby the water and air admix and form
snow under first ambient conditions, said water manifold means
including a plurality of first and second orifices of different
sizes disposed in alternating relationship along said water
manifold, and valve means for substantially simultaneously opening
the first plurality of orifices and closing the second plurality of
orifices in respective first and second positions thereby
accommodating at least two different ambient conditions to optimize
snow making.
22. The snow making apparatus as defined in claim 21 wherein said
valve means is a selectively apertured valve plate operative (a) in
a first position in which the valve plate apertures are aligned to
communicate only with the first plurality of orifices while closing
the second plurality of orifices, and (b) in a second position in
which the valve plate apertures are aligned to communicate only
with the second plurality of orifices while closing the first
plurality of orifices.
23. Apparatus for making snow comprising means for defining a
housing, means for generating an air current relative to said
housing, means for defining a water manifold, said water manifold
including means for spraying water from said water manifold toward
the generated air current whereby the water and air admix and form
snow under first ambient conditions, said water spraying means
including a first plurality of spray nozzles and a second plurality
of spray nozzles having respective first and second different sized
orifices to optimize snow making under different ambient
conditions, valve means selectively operable for at least opening
said first orifices and closing said second orifices and vice
versa, and means for selectively blowing air through said first and
second orifices to rid the same of water and thereby prevent
freeze-up during transition usage under changing ambient
conditions.
24. A method of making snow under differing ambient conditions
comprising the steps of creating air flow along a substantially
unidirectional path of travel, creating a first water spray from a
first water source with the first water spray having an upstream
initiation end of a predetermined cross-sectional size, directing a
downstream end portion of the first water spray toward the air flow
for admixture therewith whereby snow is made under first ambient
conditions, terminating the first water spray and displacing the
first water source from the air flow path of travel, creating a
second water spray from a second water source with the second water
spray having an upstream initiation end of a predetermined
cross-sectional size differing from the predetermined
cross-sectional size of the first water spray, and directing a
downstream portion of the second water spray toward the air flow
for admixture therewith whereby snow is made under second ambient
conditions differing from the first ambient conditions.
25. The method as defined in claim 24 wherein the second water
source under the second ambient conditions occupies the space
occupied by the first water source prior to the displacement
thereof.
26. A method of making snow under differing ambient conditions
comprising the steps of creating air flow along a substantially
unidirectional path of travel, creating a first water spray from a
first water source with the first water spray having an upstream
initiation end of a predetermined cross-sectional size, directing a
downstream end portion of the first water spray toward the air flow
for admixture therewith whereby snow is made under first ambient
conditions, terminating the first water spray, creating a second
water spray having an upstream initiation end of a predetermined
cross-sectional size differing from the predetermined
cross-sectional size of the first water spray, and directing a
downstream portion of the second water spray toward the air flow
for admixture therewith whereby snow is made under second ambient
conditions differing from the first ambient conditions.
27. The method as defined in claim 26 including the steps of
creating the first water spray from a first water source and
creating the second water spray from a second water source.
28. The method as defined in claim 26 including the steps of
creating the first water spray through a first orifice of a
predetermined cross-sectional size, creating the second water spray
through a second orifice of a second predetermined cross-sectional
size differing from that of the first orifice, and blowing air
through the first orifice after performing the first water spray
terminating step to rid the first orifice of water and thereby
prevent orifice freeze-up.
29. The method as defined in claim 28 including the steps of
creating the first water spray from a first water source and
creating the second water spray from a second water source.
30. The method as defined in claim 29 including the step of
displacing the first water source from the air flow path of travel
subsequent to first spray termination, and positioning the second
water source in the space originally occupied by the first water
source under the second ambient conditions.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of and apparatus for
making snow, and in particular to an improved apparatus for rapidly
making large quantities of high quality "artificial" snow at low
cost and, most importantly, under virtually all ambient conditions,
including rapid fluctuations in temperature, humidity and/or
pressure.
2. Description of the Related Art
The popularity of winter sports activities, such as downhill and
cross country skiing, snow boarding and the like continues to
increase, and the availability and quantity of natural snow is
often unpredictable and insufficient. Winter sports facilities have
historically used artificial snow making equipment to supplement
the natural occurring snow fall to build a "base," maintain trails
and other ski areas in excellently groomed condition, cover steep,
wind blown and/or icy areas, and generally create safer skiing
conditions while extending the winter ski season well beyond that
which might otherwise occur under only natural snowfall conditions.
However, the problem inherent in many prior art snow making
machines is the inability thereof to accommodate a variety of
different ambient conditions, particularly outdoor temperature and
humidity, which might fluctuate rapidly in a short period of time.
Thus, a snow making machine or a snow gun which might be optimum
under one set of outdoor ambient temperature conditions is far less
than optimum under a second set of higher or lower outdoor ambient
temperature and/or humidity conditions. Typically, such
conventional snow making machines or snow guns are exemplified by
structures disclosed in the following prior art patents:
______________________________________ Patent No: Patented on:
Inventor(s): ______________________________________ 3,814,319 June
4, 1974 Loomis 3,945,567 March 23, 1976 Rambach 3,948,442 April 6,
1976 Dewey 3,979,061 September 7, 1976 Kircher 4,083,492 April 11,
1978 Dewey 4,105,161 August 8, 1978 Kircher et al. 4,214,700 July
29, 1980 Vanderkelen et al. 4,222,519 September 16, 1980 Kircher et
al. 4,223,836 September 23, 1980 Eager 4,493,457 January 15, 1985
Dilworth et al. 4,573,636 March 4, 1986 Dilworth et al. 4,597,524
July 1, 1986 Albertsson 4,682,729 July 28, 1987 Doman et al.
4,711,395 December 8, 1987 Handfield 4,813,598 March 21, 1989
Kosik, Sr. et al. 4,823,518 April 25, 1989 Dilworth et al.
4,901,920 February 20, 1990 Wollin 4,919,331 April 24, 1990 Kosik,
Sr. et al. 5,031,832 July 16, 1991 Ratnik et al. 5,135,167 August
4, 1992 Ringer 5,167,367 December 1, 1992 VanderKelen et al.
5,180,106 January 19, 1993 Handfield 5,379,937 January 10, 1995
Rothe 5,400,966 March 28, 1995 Weaver et al.
______________________________________
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The snow making gun of the present invention includes a housing
internally of which is supported a motor which, when energized,
rotates a fan for generating an air current of a substantially
uniform and unidirectional path of travel. The housing carries a
generally annular or ring-like water manifold which in turn
supports a plurality of nozzles and a nucleator mechanism for
directing a nucleating air/water admixture toward the air current
which at temperatures of approximately 32.degree. F. will create
"artificial" snow. Preferably the nozzles of the water manifold
have water discharge orifices of a first size which optimize the
snow which is made under a first set of ambient conditions of
temperature, humidity and/or pressure. However, should temperatures
increase or decrease, for example, these orifices would function
efficiently only within a relatively limited narrow temperature
range. As ambient temperature progressively drops, for example, it
would be desirable to direct an increased amount of water into the
fan-generated air current. Presently, this is accomplished by
manually "cutting-in" additional water nozzles of conventional snow
making machines by opening manual valves, but even at this it would
be highly desirable to increase the amount of water sprayed by
these nozzle orifices into the air current. In keeping with the
present invention, this is accomplished by removing one manifold
from the snow gun which carries nozzles whose orifices are of a
first size and replacing this first manifold with a second
identical manifold except the orifices of the nozzles of the second
water manifold are of a size differing from the orifices of the
nozzles of the first manifold. In this manner, the first manifold
has water nozzles provided with small orifices which could be used
to make snow at borderline freezing temperatures near or at
32.degree. F., while the second manifold having second nozzles with
larger orifices can be used as a "replacement" for the first
manifold at temperatures well below 32.degree. F. to inject maximum
optimum water from the second manifold larger orifices into the
generated air current. Thus, by removing an entire manifold and
replacing the removed manifold with a second manifold, the snow gun
can accommodate a myriad of temperature, humidity and/or pressure
conditions.
In further accordance with the present invention, a housing of the
snow making gun is provided with locating holes which receive
locating pins carried by the manifolds which effectively orient
each water manifold with the housing. This is particularly
significant because each manifold also carries an individual
nucleating mechanism. Accordingly, by thus accurately locating each
manifold relative to the snow gun housing, the associated
nucleating nozzle is also accurately located. Furthermore, the
nucleating nozzle includes means for adjusting its air/water
admixture discharge relative to the predetermined path of travel of
the fan generated air current to optimize the impingement angle
between the path of the nucleating air/water admixture and that of
the fan generated air path to further assure efficient snow making
at varying temperatures, humidity and/or pressures. The locating
openings and locating pins are preferably positioned diametrically
opposite each other for ease of alignment, although this
180.degree. spacing can be varied as, for example, by utilizing
three pins and three openings spaced 120.degree. from each
other.
The water manifold is also preferably removably secured to the
housing by quick connect/disconnect clamping means in the form of a
pair of over-center toggle clamps or clamping mechanisms which are
also preferably disposed diametrically opposite to each other. The
latter construction thereby places the locating openings or
apertures and pins and the toggle clamps in alternating
relationship about the periphery of the housing and the water
manifold which results in the water manifold being firmly clamped
against the snow gun housing.
In further accordance with the invention, the path of travel of the
fan generated air current is selectively adjusted in both a
horizontal and a vertical plane by selectively pivoting or tilting
the housing relative to associated pivot axes. This feature is
particularly desirable when the snow gun is mounted at an upper
portion of a relatively high tower. In this tower-supported
embodiment of the snow gun, a lower end portion of the tower
includes mechanisms for selectively pivoting the housing about a
vertical axis and/or pivoting the housing about a horizontal axis
to accommodate the snow gun for virtually all conditions that might
be encountered, particularly variations in wind velocity and wind
direction.
In accordance with other embodiments of the present invention,
instead of removing an entire water manifold and its associated
nozzles and first sized orifices and replacing the same with an
entire second manifold and its water nozzles of different sized
orifices, only a front plate and the nozzles carried thereby need
be removed from the water manifold in keeping with another aspect
of the present invention. An alternative to this construction is
that of mounting the first and second manifolds, each being of an
annular or ring-like configuration, concentrically relative to each
other, though in this embodiment of the invention only a single
air/water nucleating mechanism is carried by the outermost water
manifold. A further embodiment of the invention includes a single
water manifold in which alternating water nozzles would have
different orifice sizes with an appropriate shutter valve mechanism
being utilized to selectively open a first set of orifices while
closing a second set of orifices and vice versa to accommodate
ambient conditions of temperature, humidity and pressure. In
another alternative of the water manifold construction, a single
water manifold is utilized but a series of Y-shaped conduits are
connected by legs thereof to the water manifold while each arm
carries a valved water nozzle of different sized orifices.
With the above and other objects in view that will hereinafter
appear, the nature of the invention will be more clearly understood
by reference to the following detailed description, the appended
claims and the several views illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a novel snow making machine or snow
gun constructed in accordance with this invention, and illustrates
a mobile support carrying a cylindrical housing to which is
removably secured a water manifold carrying a plurality of nozzles
having orifices of a first size.
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of a portion of
the snow gun of FIG. 1, and illustrates the first water manifold
removed and a second water manifold having water nozzles whose
orifices are of a different size than those of the first water
manifold aligned for assembly to the housing of the snow gun.
FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the first water manifold of
FIG. 1, and illustrates details thereof including an adjustable
nucleating mechanism for directing an admixture of air/water toward
an air current generated by a fan of the snow gun.
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary enlarged perspective view of a lower
portion of the water manifold of FIG. 3, and illustrates details of
the adjustable nucleating mechanism.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken generally along
line 5--5 of FIG. 3, and illustrates the manner in which a
nucleating nozzle of the nucleating mechanism is selectively
adjusted to alter the angle of impingement between a predetermined
path of travel of the nucleating air/water admixture and the fan
generated air current, and a locating pin of the water manifold
received in a locating opening of the housing.
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a portion of the
housing and water manifold, and illustrates an over-the-center
toggle clamp for removably clamping either of the two water
manifolds to the snow gun housing.
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side elevational view similar to FIG. 6,
and illustrates the over-the-center toggle clamp in its unclamped
position.
FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of another snow making apparatus
or snow gun constructed in accordance with this invention, and
illustrates a snow gun housing, fan and water manifold supported
relative to a high tower and including manually operable mechanisms
at a lower end portion of the tower for pivoting the snow gun
housing about horizontal and/or vertical axes.
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the snow making
gun of FIG. 8, and illustrates a linkage mechanism for selectively
adjusting the housing of the snow gun for pivoting movement about a
horizontal axis.
FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken generally along
line 10--10 of FIG. 8, and illustrates a mechanism for rotating the
snow gun housing about a vertical axis.
FIG. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical cross-sectional view of
the snow making gun of FIGS. 8 and 9, and illustrates details of
the mechanisms for selectively adjusting the housing and thus the
air current path of travel relative to both horizontal and vertical
planes.
FIG. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the lower
portion of the mechanisms illustrated in FIG. 11, and illustrates
further details thereof, including a slotted sector or plate for
selectively locking the snow making gun housing in one of several
positions of its adjustment about a vertical axis.
FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of another water manifold
similar to that illustrated in FIG. 3, and illustrates a plurality
of nozzles carried by a front annular water manifold wall or plate
which is removable from and sealed relative to a rear water
manifold channel or housing.
FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken generally along
line 14--14 of FIG. 13, and illustrates the manner in which the
front annular water manifold wall or plate is clampingly held in
sealing contact against two annular seals carried by the water
manifold channel.
FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken generally along
line 15--15 of FIG. 13, and illustrates one of two diametrically
opposite locating pins carried by the water manifold channel which
registers with an associated locating opening in the front annular
plate.
FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of another water manifold
similar to the water manifolds illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 13, and
illustrates an inside water manifold concentric relative to an
outside water manifold with each water manifold having a separate
valved water inlet and each carrying nozzles having different size
spray orifices.
FIG. 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken generally along
line 17--17 of FIG. 16, and illustrates the concentric relationship
of the water manifolds and a locating pin carried by the inside
water manifold registering with a locating opening of an associated
water gun housing.
FIG. 18 is a front elevational view with a portion thereof broken
away for clarity of another water manifold similar to the water
manifolds of FIGS. 3, 13 and 16, and illustrates a plurality of
adjacent pairs of water nozzles carried by a front annular water
manifold wall or plate which is rotated relative to a water
manifold housing to selectively register either water nozzle of
each pair of water nozzles with an underlying opening of the water
manifold housing upon selective rotation of the front annular water
manifold plate.
FIG. 19 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 19--19
of FIG. 18, and illustrates an O-ring seal encircling each circular
opening of the water manifold housing.
FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken generally along
line 20--20 of FIG. 18 and illustrates one water nozzle of one of
the pair of water nozzles in fluid communication with an associated
circular opening of the water manifold housing for discharging
water spray through the orifices thereof.
FIG. 21 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken generally along
line 21--21 of FIG. 18, and illustrates one of a pair of pins each
of which bottoms against blind ends of an arcuate slot in the front
annular water manifold plate to register the water nozzles
selectively with the circular openings of the water manifold
housing.
FIG. 22 is a front elevational view of another water manifold
similar to the water manifolds of FIGS. 3, 13, 16 and 18, and
illustrates a plurality of pairs of manually valved nozzles
associated with the water manifold.
FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of a portion of the water
manifold of FIG. 22, and illustrates a generally Y-shaped conduit
having a leg connected to the water manifold and a pair of arms
each carrying a valve and a spray nozzle with the orifices of the
nozzles differing in size.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
A novel apparatus for making snow is illustrated in FIG. 1 of the
drawings and is generally designated by the reference numeral
10.
The snow making apparatus, snow making machine or snow gun 10
includes means defining a support surface in the form of a mobile
support 15 which includes a frame (unnumbered) defined by three
metallic tubes 16-18 welded to define a generally triangular
configuration, as viewed from above. Another tube 20 spans and is
welded to the tubes 16, 17 and includes an upstanding vertical
pivot 21 which is received in a downwardly opening blind ended cap
22 to which is welded a pair of arms 23, 24 defining a yoke or
bridle 25. Each arm 23, 24 carries a pivot pin or pivot bolt
26.
A frame 27 is welded to the bars 16-18 and carries conventional
equipment, such as an air compressor C. Wheels W are conventionally
journalled to the frame 15 to permit the snow gun 10 to be pulled
over ground or terrain T by a snow "Cat" (not shown) through a
conventional hitch 28. Preferably, conventional electrical controls
are housed in a water-tight control box 31 which is connected by
appropriate wires 32 to a source of electrical power (not
shown).
The snow gun 10 includes means 40 (FIG. 2) defining a generally
metallic cylindrical housing having a forward end portion 41, a
central or medial portion 42 and a rearward portion 43. The medial
portion 42 has welded thereto a pair of shallow, generally C-shaped
brackets 44 to which the pins or bolts 26 are connected in a
conventional fashion to define a horizontal pivot axes H (FIG. 1)
of the housing 40. One of the C-shaped brackets 44 includes means
45 (FIG. 2) for selectively adjusting the position of the
cylindrical housing 40 relative to the horizontal pivot axis H. The
selective adjusting means 45 includes a plurality of holes or
apertures 46 formed along an arc of which the axis H is the center.
The arm 23 of the yoke 25 has welded thereto a generally C-shaped
channel bracket 47 which carries a sliding L-shaped pin 48 which is
normally biased by a spring 50 to a position at which an end (not
shown and unnumbered) of the pin 48 enters one of the openings or
holes 46. When the end of the pin 48 is in one of the holes 46, the
housing 40 is prevented from pivoting about the pivot pins 26 and
the horizontal axis H, but by manually pulling the pin 46 outwardly
of one of the holes 46 against the bias of the spring 50, the
housing 40 can be selectively pivoted about the pivot pins 26 and
the axis H.
A plurality of radial brackets 51 (FIGS. 1 and 2) are welded to an
interior surface 52 of the housing 40 and to an innermost
cylindrical shroud or cylinder 53. The shroud 53 supports an
electric motor 54 at one end of the latter, while an opposite end
of the motor 54 is supported by a motor support platform 55 (FIG.
2). The motor support platform 55 is simply a plurality of metal
plates welded to each other and to the interior surface 52 of the
housing 40. The motor 54 preferably includes a housing (unnumbered)
which is bolted both to the shroud 53 and to the motor support
platform 55. The motor 54 carries a fan (not shown in FIG. 1 but
corresponding to the fan 60 of FIG. 8). Upon energization of the
motor 54, the fan rotates generating an air current A defining a
substantially uniform and unidirectional path of travel which is
essentially parallel to the axis (unnumbered) of the cylinder
housing 40. The fan draws air through a conventional shroud 61 at
the rearward end 43 of the housing 40 and directs the same through
the cylindrical housing 40 past the radial brackets 51 and the
platform 55 exiting the forward end portion 41 of the housing 40
through an annular or ring-like water manifold 70 (FIG. 1).
The water manifold 70 is the first of at least two and perhaps more
manifolds which are essentially identical to each other except for
the size of orifices associated with nozzles thereof, as will be
described more fully hereinafter. The water manifold 70 is of a
generally rectangular hollow cross-sectional configuration, as is
best illustrated in FIG. 4 through 7, and includes a water chamber
71 defined by a radially innermost peripheral wall 72, a radially
outermost peripheral wall 73, a forwardmost annular or ring wall 74
and a rearwardmost annular or ring wall 75. A fitting 76 is in
fluid communication with the chamber 71 and includes a quick
connect/disconnect coupling 77 for connection to a water line W for
introducing water into the chamber 71. Sixteen primary nozzles,
each designated by the reference numeral 80 (FIGS. 1 and 3), are
conventionally secured to the forwardmost annular wall 74 of the
manifold 70. The lowermost six nozzles 80 each include a manually
operable valve (not shown) for individually opening or closing
communication between the chamber 71 and each of the orifices 81
thereof. The uppermost ten nozzles 80 exclude such valves and water
is free to flow at all times from the water chamber 71 outwardly of
the orifices 81 thereof. Two individual secondary manifolds 85
(FIG. 3) carry identical nozzles 80 having orifices 81 and each
secondary water manifold 85 is connected by a valved conduit 86 to
the manifold 70.
When water under pressure is introduced into the water chamber 71
through the water line W and the fitting 76, it will at all times
exit the unvalved ten uppermost nozzles 80 carried by the wall 74
and will be directed thereby in a generally acute angle (not shown)
into the air current or air stream A resulting in the formation of
"artificial" snow at outdoor ambient temperatures of 32.degree. F.
and below in conjunction with or absent means 100 for creating a
nucleating admixture of air/water which will be described more
fully hereinafter. Depending upon ambient conditions, particularly
ambient outdoor temperature, any one or all of the lowermost six
primary valved nozzles 80 can be opened or closed and either or
both of the secondary nozzles 80 associated with the secondary
manifolds 85 can be opened or closed. It will be assumed that the
orifices 81 associated with the primary and secondary nozzles 80
are all of the same size and are relatively small which will render
the operation of the manifold 70 most efficient under borderline
freezing (32.degree. F.) temperature conditions. Quite simply, when
the temperature is slightly above or borderline freezing
(32.degree. F.), most efficient snow can be made with a relatively
fine stream of water being emitted from the orifices 81 into the
air current A. Thus, at relatively high temperatures, water
emanating from the orifices 81 in the form of a fine "mist" or a
misty stream will freeze more rapidly than would droplets which
might be more "coarse" or larger in size, yet larger water
particles or droplets would be far more efficient and optimum at
temperatures well below 32.degree. F. Accordingly, though the
manifold 70 and the small orifices 81 of the nozzles 80 might prove
most efficient at marginal snow making temperature conditions
(32.degree. F. and slightly above), the efficiency of the snow gun
10 is inherently diminished because of the lack of sufficient water
exiting the small orifices 81 of the nozzles 80 even when all
nozzles 81 are functioning.
Accordingly, in keeping with the present invention a second water
manifold 70' (FIG. 2) is provided which is identical to the first
water manifold 70 except for orifices 91 of nozzles 92. Thus, the
second water manifold 70' has been provided with identical though
primed reference numerals to identify the structure thereof which
corresponds to the identically, though unprimed, structure of the
first manifold 70. In lieu of the orifices 81 of relatively small
size, the orifices 91 of nozzles 92 are of an appreciably larger
size. Thus, the water manifold 70' is specifically intended for
utilization at very low temperatures below 32.degree. F. when
relatively coarse streams of water can issue from the larger
orifices 91 into the air current A to freeze and create snow
therefrom. Thus, if the snow gun 10 is operating in conjunction
with the first water manifold 70 under marginal snow making
conditions (borderline freezing), and a rapid temperature drop
occurs, as is not uncommon, the manifold 70 is simply removed from
the housing 40, in the manner to be described immediately
hereinafter, and is replaced by the manifold 70'. This merely
requires the quick uncoupling and recoupling provided by the
couplings 77, 77' with attendant brief water cut-off,
de-energization of the compressor C, etc.
In order to achieve rapid assembly and disassembly of the manifolds
70, 70' relative to the housing 40 quickly and absent the use of
tools, the housing 40 is provided with identical diametrically
opposite means 110 (FIGS. 2, 6 and 7) for removably clamping or
securing each of the manifolds 70, 70' relative to an annular
angular wall 49 (FIG. 5) welded to the forward end portion 41 of
the housing 40. Each of the water manifold securing means 110
includes an over-the-center toggle clamp 111 defined by a lever 112
having a handle portion 113 opposite of which a hook 114 is
connected by a pivot pin 115. A yoke bracket 116 is pivoted by a
pin 117 to the lever 112 and receives through an opening
(unnumbered) thereof a threaded eye bolt 118 carrying a nut 120 at
one end and an eye 121 at an opposite end hooked in an opening 122
of a bracket 123 welded in an upstanding fashion to the forward end
portion 41 of the housing 40. The hook 114 cooperates with and is
contoured to embrace a cylindrical clamping segment 124 welded to
each of the water manifolds 70, 70' at diametrically disposed
locations, as is best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings.
Either manifold 70, 71' is positioned with its innermost annular
wall 75 against the wall 49 of the forward end portion of the
housing 40, as is best illustrated in FIGS. 1, 5, 6 and 7 of the
drawings. Each hook 114 is then placed into alignment with its
cylindrical clamping segment 124 and the handle portion 113 is
moved from the position shown in FIG. 7 to the locking or clamping
position shown in FIG. 6. The two clamping means 110 thereby impart
forceful diametrically opposite clamping forces to either of the
water manifolds 70, 70' associated with the housing 40.
In order to assure that either of the manifolds 70, 70' is
accurately located relative to the housing 40, each of the water
manifolds 70, 70' carries diametrically disposed locating means
125, 126 in the form of a locating pin 127 located at the 12 and 6
o'clock positions of the rearwardmost annular wall 75 and locating
holes or apertures 128 located at like 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock
positions of the plate 49 of the housing 40. The pins 127 are
inserted in the holes or openings 128 to achieve accurate alignment
of either of the water manifolds 70, 70' prior to the locking or
clamping of the over-the-center toggle clamps 111 in the manner
earlier described. Thus, the locating means 125 and the clamping
means 110 are in alternating relationship to each other and assure
precise location and intimate clamping of either manifold 70, 70'
relative to the housing 40.
Reference is made to FIGS. 3 through 5 of the drawings and the
air/water nucleating means 100 for providing an air/water admixture
which is injected toward and into the air current A along a
predetermined path of travel P (FIG. 5) from a position generally
somewhat above the 6 o'clock position of the manifold 70, as is
most readily apparent from FIGS. 1 and 3 of the drawings. The
nucleating means or nucleating mechanism 100 includes a pair of
vertically upstanding plates 101, 102 which are welded to each
other and to the manifold wall 74. The plate 101 includes an
arcuate slot 103 and a hole (unnumbered) in which is rotatably
journalled a tubular journal 104 which is free to rotate relative
to both the plate 101 and a water pipe 105 which is fluid
communication with the water chamber 71 of the water manifold 70
via a manual control valve 106 (FIG. 4). Water from the water
chamber 71 is thereby delivered to a nozzle 107 and exits therefrom
via a water orifice 108. The nozzle 107 is fixed to an arm 131 of a
bracket 130 which includes a leg 132 which can rotate with the
tubular journal 104 and is parallel to a shorter arm 29. An air
hose 133 is connected to a fitting 134 which passes freely through
a bore (not shown) in the shorter arms 129 and is connected to the
nozzle 107 with air exiting from the latter via an air orifice 138.
The hose 133 is, for example, connected to the compressor C (FIG.
1) and thus as the water and air are sprayed into the atmosphere
along the path of travel P (FIG. 5) via the respective orifices
108, 138, the admixture of air/water forms nuclei or seeds which
enter the air current A and admix with the water injected therein
via the nozzle orifices 81, 91. The two paths A, P (FIG. 5) define
an acute angle a' therebetween which in further accordance with the
present invention can be varied by adjusting the predetermined path
P of the air/water nucleating admixture spray by rotating the
nozzle 107 and locking the same in any one of a plurality of
selected positions of adjustment. This adjustment is achieved by
loosening a handle 140 (FIG. 5) which includes a shaft 144 having a
threaded end portion 142 which passes through the slot 103, an
opening (unnumbered) in the leg 132, and is threaded to a nut 143.
When the nut 143 is loose, the bracket 130 is rotated with the
journal 104 which rotates the nozzle 107 between the limits
established by the blind ends (unnumbered) of the slot 103. Once a
desired angle a' is achieved, as is dictated by ambient conditions,
the handle 140 is tightened to thread the threaded end portion 144
relative to the nut 143 to hold the nozzle 107 in this desired
adjusted position. As ambient conditions change, the angle a' of
the predetermined path P of the nucleating admixture spray can be
readily and quickly adjusted to the path A to vary the angle a'
therebetween.
Another snow making machine or snow gun constructed in accordance
with this invention is illustrated in FIGS. 8 through 12 of the
drawings and is generally designated by the reference numeral 10'.
The snow gun 10' is essentially identical to the snow gun 10 except
for two particulars, namely, (a) the mobile support 15 of the snow
gun 10 (FIG. 1) is instead a fixed support defined by a
conventional concrete base 150 upon which is supported a tower 151
and (b) the selective adjusting means 45 (FIG. 1) of the snow gun
10 at the cylindrical housing 40 has been eliminated and such
adjustment is instead achieved by selective adjusting means 160
which includes a linkage 161 (FIG. 11) operative from a lower end
portion 152 of the tower 151 to pivot the housing 40' (FIG. 11)
about a pivot pin 26' which pivotally connects the housing 40' to
arms 23', 24' of a yoke 25'. The yoke 25' is welded to and
supported by an upper end portion (unnumbered) of a tubular column
154 which is journalled for rotation about a vertical axis through
aligned journals 161-164 carried by respective support brackets
165-168 welded to and supported by the tower 151. Rotation of the
tubular column 154 about its vertical axis imparts similar rotation
to the yoke 25' and the housing 40' to thereby effect selective
adjustment of an air current path of travel A' (FIGS. 9 and 11) in
a horizontal plane.
Means generally designated by the reference numeral 170 (FIGS. 8,
10 and 11) is provided adjacent the lower end portion 152 of the
tower 151 for effecting the rotation of the tubular column 154. The
adjustment effecting means or mechanism 170 includes a short tube
171 (FIG. 11) welded to a lower end (unnumbered) of the tubular
column 154 beneath the bracket 168 which in turn includes a
plurality of arcuately disposed slots 172 (FIG. 10). A handle 173
carrying a narrow plate 174 is pivotally connected by a pivot pin
175 to the short tube 171. In the phantom outline position of the
handle 173 illustrated in FIG. 11 and in the solid outline position
of FIG. 12 the plate 174 is shown engaged in one of the slots 172
which prevents the column 154 from rotating and thus maintains the
housing 40' in a desired position of adjustment about a vertical
axis which in turn permits selectively "aiming" or directional
orientation of the air stream A' in a generally horizontal plane.
Accordingly, by moving the handle 173 from the phantom outline
position shown in FIG. 11 to the solid position shown therein, the
column 154 can be manually rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to
"aim" the housing 40' in an appropriate direction so that the
generated air current path A' is similarly directed as is required,
after which the handle 173 is again moved to the solid outline
position shown in FIG. 12 to lock the housing 40' in the selected
position by the short plate 172 engaging in the desired selected
notch 172. In the vertical position of the handle 173 the handle
173 "leans" slightly toward or is inclined slightly toward the
tubular column 154 and is thereby held by gravity in its vertical
"locked" position. In conjunction with the latter or as an
alternative thereto a conventional spring can be utilized to bias
the handle 173 to the "locked" position (FIG. 12) in an obviously
conventional manner.
Means generally designated by the reference numeral 190 (FIG. 11)
are also provided for selectively adjusting the housing 40' for
pivoting movement about the axis H' (FIG. 8) of the pivots 26' via
the linkage 161. The means 190 include an actuator rod 191 having a
lowermost handle 192 and a plurality of vertically spaced slots 193
which selectively receive a horizontal leg or ledge 194 of a
bracket 195 which is weld to a lower end (unnumbered) of the
tubular column 154. The rod 191 is connected at an upper end
(unnumbered) by a pivot pin 196 to one end of an arm 197 of the
linkage 161 which is in turn connected at its opposite end by a
pivot pin 198 to a short arm 200. The short arm 200 is connected by
a pivot pin 201 to a bracket 202 welded to a lower portion
(unnumbered) of the housing 40'. A bracket 203 is welded to an
upper end (unnumbered) of the tubular column 154 and is in turn
connected by a pivot pin 204 to the arm 197. In order to pivot the
housing 40' about the pivots 26' and thus the axis H', the handle
192 is grasped and pivoted counterclockwise about the pivot 196
which is to the left in FIG. 12, as is indicated by the arrow C.
This frees the ledge 194 from its associated slot 193 after which
the actuated rod 191 can be pushed up or pulled down which achieves
respective clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the housing
40' about the pivots 26', as viewed in FIG. 11, to thereby vary the
path of the air current A' in a vertical plane. Accordingly,
because of the selective adjustment means 160, 170 and the
associated manual manipulation thereof, the air stream A' and the
water injected therein via the nozzles 80, 92 can be oriented
virtually in any desired direction selectively in both horizontal
and vertical planes.
Another water manifold constructed in accordance with this
invention which is similar to the water manifold 70, 70' is
illustrated in FIGS. 13 through 15 of the drawings and is generally
designated by the reference numeral 210.
The water manifold 210 is of a generally annular or ring-like
configuration and is defined by a front annular wall or plate 211
and a rear water manifold channel or housing 212 which is defined
by a bight wall 213 and two generally parallel spaced walls 214,
215, each of which ends in a free terminal edge (unnumbered)
carrying respective O-ring seals 216, 217. Diametrically opposite
clamping segments 218, 219 are carried by the front annular plate
211. The front annular plate 211 also carries sixteen water nozzles
221 each having a discharge orifice 222 of a specific size.
Locating means 223, 224 corresponding to the like locating means
125, 126 of the water manifold 70, are positioned diametrically
opposite each other at the respective 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock
positions, and each includes a locating pin 225 welded to and
projecting from a relatively narrow bridging plate 226 spanning and
welded to the walls 214, 215 of the manifold channel 212, as is
readily apparent in FIG. 15. The locating means 223, 224 also
include a circular locating opening 227 formed in the front annular
plate 211 at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions which registers
each of the pins 225 of the locating means 223, 224.
The water manifold channel or housing 212 is welded or otherwise
rigidly and permanently attached to a snow gun housing, such as the
housings 40, 40'.
The secondary manifolds (unnumbered) and associated valve conduits
(unnumbered), the nucleating means (unnumbered) and the adjustment
mechanism therefor (unnumbered) shown in FIG. 13 are assembled only
to the water manifold housing 212, and this permits the front
annular plate 211 to be bodily removed from and/or relocated upon
the manifold housing 212. Thus, assuming that the discharge
orifices 222 of the sixteen spray nozzles 221 carried by the front
annular plate 211 are relatively small and are used for marginal
temperature snow-making conditions, should outdoor ambient air
temperature drop to 32.degree. F. or well below, it is desirable
to, obviously, remove the front annular plate 211 and the nozzles
221 and replace the same with another identical front annular plate
(not shown) and nozzles (not shown) differing only in providing
larger water discharge orifices therein. Thus, the water manifold
210 is somewhat simplified as compared to the water manifolds 70,
70' from the standpoint of only requiring that the front annular
plate 211 and the associated nozzles 212 be removed and replaced
for varying snow making conditions.
Another water manifold constructed in accordance with this
invention is illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 of the drawings, and is
generally designated by the reference numeral 230.
The water manifold 230 includes a first outside or outer annular
water manifold 231 and a second inner or inside annular water
manifold 232 which is in concentric relationship to the outer water
manifold 231.
The outer manifold 231 carries a pair of valved secondary manifolds
233, 234 (FIG. 16) identical to the secondary manifolds heretofore
described, such as the secondary manifolds 85 (FIG. 3). The outer
manifold 231 includes sixteen primary water nozzles 235 having
water discharge spray orifices 236 and the inner water manifold 232
similarly includes sixteen primary water nozzles 237 having
discharge spray orifices 238. The orifices 236 of the nozzles 235
are preferably larger than the orifices 238 of the nozzles 237.
Locating means 240, 240' (FIGS. 16 and 17) are associated with the
inner water manifold 232 and the outer water manifold,
respectively, and each includes a locating pin 241, 241' at the 12
o'clock and 6 o'clock positions of the inner and outer water
manifolds 231, 232 which are received in locating openings 242,
242' of a plate 243 carried by a housing 244 corresponding to the
housings 40, 40' heretofore described.
Air/water nucleating means 245 identical to the nucleating means or
mechanisms 100 is carried by the water manifolds 231, 232 at
substantially the 6 o'clock position and is supplied water through
valved lines 246, 247 from the respective water manifolds 231, 232.
Water from the source (not shown) is supplied to the water
manifolds 231, 232 through respective conduits and fittings 248,
249.
Under marginal temperature conditions (borderline 32.degree. F.),
water is supplied via the conduit, pipe or fitting 249 to only the
inner water manifold 232 with the valved line or pipe 246 being
closed and the valve line or pipe 247 being open which injects a
fine mist into the air current A or A' via the small discharge
spray orifices 238 of each of the nozzles 237. An air/water
nucleating spray also enters the same air current A, A' and
collectively these water sprays create artificial snow in the
manner heretofore described under marginal snow making temperature
conditions.
Should temperatures reach 32.degree. F. and below, more water can
be supplied to the air current A or A', and this is preferably done
by preventing water flow to the inner water manifold 232 by
appropriately closing a valve (not shown) associated with the
conduit 249. Water is supplied to the outer water manifold 231 by
opening a valve (not shown) associated with the conduit 248. Water
from the manifold 231 flows through the now opened valve conduit
246 and exits as a nucleating spray from the nucleating mechanism
245 while, of course, the valved line 247 is closed. Spray now
exits the larger orifices 236 of the nozzles 235 of the outer
manifold 231 and is injected into the air current A, A'. At this
point, the valved secondary manifolds 233, 234 can be operative or
not, as conditions dictate.
The water manifold 230 thereby permits each of the manifolds 231,
232 to be operated individually, as temperature/humidity/pressure
conditions dictate. However, the advantage of the water manifold
230 is, of course, that neither water manifold 231, 232 need be
removed and/or replaced or either can be removed and/or replaced
relative to its associated housing (40 or 40', for example).
Therefore, though the initial costs of the equipment might be
higher because of the "duplication" of the water manifolds, in the
long run the water manifold 230 might prove commercially more
attractive for certain snow making applications, particularly
because an additional water manifold(s) can be substituted for
either or both of the water manifolds 231, 232.
It should be further noted that because the inner manifold 232
carries the nozzles 237 with the smaller orifices 238, the finer
spray issuing therefrom is more immediately adjacent the air
current A or A', as compared to the heavier spray issuing outwardly
from the larger orifices 236 of the nozzles 235. Thus, the finer
spray issuing from the smaller orifices 238 can enter the air
current A, A' immediately absent undesired dispersion and is
carried along thereby for a longer distance to generate more snow
under marginal temperature conditions. Accordingly, the benefit
thus provided by having the smaller orifices 238 of the nozzles 237
more adjacent to the air currents A, A' is a preferred embodiment
of the invention, but obviously the nozzles 235, 236 can be
interchanged and the resulting structure is considered to fall
within the scope of the invention.
Another novel water manifold constructed in accordance with this
invention is illustrated in FIGS. 18 through 21 of the drawings and
is generally designated by the reference numeral 250.
The water manifold 250 includes a water manifold housing 251 of a
generally annular or ring-like configuration corresponding to the
manifolds heretofore described. A first annular front wall or plate
252 (FIGS. 18 and 19) of the water manifold housing 251 is provided
with sixteen circular openings 253 each surrounding an O-ring seal
254. The location of the circular openings 253 correspond to the
locations of the primary nozzles of the various primary water
manifolds heretofore described.
A second annular front wall or plate 262 (FIGS. 18, 20 and 21)
corresponds in shape, size, etc. to the first annular front wall
252, and is adapted to be rotated relative thereto about a central
axis (unnumbered) of the water manifold housing 251. The second
movable annular front plate 262 includes sixteen pairs 265 of spray
nozzles 266, 267 each having respective smaller discharge orifices
268 and larger discharge orifices 269. The distance between the
axes of the nozzles 266, 267 of each pair 265 of nozzles is the
same and corresponds to the distance between blind ends
(unnumbered) of an arcuate slot 270 (FIG. 21) located generally at
the 2 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions of the second rotatable
annular front wall 262. A pin 271 carried by and projecting from
the first annular front wall 252 at the 2 o'clock and 8 o'clock
positions projects into each of the arcuate slots 270. When the
pins 271 bottom against one blind end of its arcuate slot 270, each
nozzle 266 registers with one of the circular openings 253 while
the bottoming of the pins 271 with the opposite blind ends of the
slots 270 aligns each of the nozzles 267 with one of the circular
openings 253. Each O-ring seal 254 assures that the water which
flows from the water manifold housing 251 through each opening 253
will flow only into the nozzle associated therewith. Accordingly,
in one arcuate position of the plate 262 relative to the plate 252,
the discharge orifices 268 will be operative while the discharge
orifices 269 will be inoperative, and vice versa.
The second annular front plate 262 is locked or clamped securely to
the first annular front plate 252 in either of the two positions of
arcuate adjustment by utilizing clamping mechanisms corresponding
to the clamping mechanisms 110 (FIGS. 6 and 7), each being
associated with diametrically oppositely positioned cylindrical
clamping segments 274 corresponding to the clamping segments 124
but being of greater arcuate extent to assure that the hooks 114 of
the clamping mechanisms 110 will firmly lock thereagainst in either
of the two relative positions of arcuate adjustment of the second
movable annular front plate 262. Accordingly, by simply unclamping
the locking mechanisms 110 and rotating the second annular front
wall 262, either of the discharge orifices 268, 269 of the
respective nozzles 266, 267 can be placed in operation depending
upon ambient conditions.
A final water manifold constructed in accordance with this
invention is illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23 of the drawings and is
generally designated by the reference numeral 280.
The water manifold 280 is essentially identical to the water
manifolds 70, 70' except the respective primary nozzles 80, 92 have
been replaced by sixteen tandem pairs 285 of nozzles 286 having
small discharge orifices (not shown) and nozzles 287 having larger
discharge orifices (not shown). The nozzles 286, 287 are each
controlled by respective manual valves 291, 292, respectively, each
in an arm (unnumbered) of a generally Y-shaped tubular fitting 295
which is carried by and placed in fluid communication with the
water manifold 280. When the valves 291 and 292 are respectively
opened and closed, a fine spray will be emitted from the smaller
discharge orifices of the nozzles 286 and vice versa. Obviously, in
this embodiment of the invention both valves 291 and 292 can be
opened different amounts depending upon ambient snow making
conditions.
In lieu of the pivoting handle 173 of the adjustment effecting
mechanism 170 of FIGS. 8 and 10, in further accordance with this
invention the handle 173 and the pivot 175 is eliminated and the
tube 171 is replaced by a longer tube which forms a "handle"
disposed normal to the tube 154. The slots 172 are replaced by
holes disposed in an arcuate configuration. A plate similar to the
plate 164 is welded to the "handle" 171 and this plate includes
similar holes arranged on an arc corresponding to the holes in the
plate 168. In any position of relatively arcuate adjustment, a pin
can be dropped through the aligned holes of the two plates to
maintain the housing 40' in a desired position of rotation about
the vertical axis of the column 154.
Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been
specifically illustrated and described herein, it is to be
understood that minor variations may be made in the apparatus
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as
defined the appended claims.
* * * * *